Family members of State Rep. Christina Ayala (D-Bridgeport) witness her swearing in Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 during opening day of the State Legislature at the Capitol Building in Hartford, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll

State Rep. Christina Ayala's (D-Bridgeport) seat remains empty at the start of opening day of the State Legislature at the Capitol Building in Hartford, Conn. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll

Bridgeport Democratic Registrar Sandi Ayala, mother of state rep. Christina Ayala, attends her daughter's swearing in Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 during opening day of the State Legislature at the Capitol Building in Hartford, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll

"(A) rocky road, but here I am," Ayala, D-128, said afterward. "I'm ecstatic. I've been waiting for this for a while ... Here I am, ready to serve."

Rocky road is right.

During the opening ceremonies, outgoing Speaker Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, welcomed freshmen to the legislative family. If the House is a family, then Ayala, 27, is battling a reputation as the black sheep.

She arrived in Hartford under the cloud of two arrests and an elections probe.

Ayala was arrested for a hit-and-run collision in August just hours after winning her Democratic primary. There were two minors in the car with Ayala at the time.

Then in December, she and her boyfriend were arrested following a domestic dispute.

She had been scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on the second incident, but received an extension until next month so she could be sworn in as a legislator. Ayala will serve on the Appropriations Committee, the Children's Committee and the Housing Committee.

Ayala is also being investigated by the state Elections Enforcement Commission for possible voter fraud. The EEC was concerned about reports by Hearst Connecticut Newspapers that Ayala for at least the past year has been living in the 129th District even though she voted in the 128th District and claimed to have an apartment there in campaign documents.

Both of the police reports on her arrests stated she lived outside of her district, and when she applied for a restraining order, Ayala also used the out-of-district address.

Ayala and her family -- mother Santa Ayala is Bridgeport's Democratic registrar; father, Tito a Democratic power broker in town -- have refused to shed light on the residency question for Hearst.

But in recent days she showed House Democratic leaders a copy of a lease to prove she lives in her district.

Ayala also declined Wednesday to answer questions about where she has been living. She said she is cooperating with the EEC.

Asked if she is concerned her reputation will make it difficult as a freshman legislator to work with colleagues, lobbyists and others in Hartford, Ayala said it is a chance to prove herself.

"In all honesty, I believe this is the time for me to show what I can do in a positive note," she said.

Santa Ayala, who attended the swearing-in and is also under scrutiny as part of the EEC's probe, agreed.

"I think she's going to do a great job," Ayala said. "She has a lot to give. She has a lot to learn. She's very open-minded. She's a hard worker."

Following her second arrest, some Bridgeport Democrats suggested Ayala step down before being sworn in. The city for years has been battling a reputation for producing corrupt politicians.

Asked if her daughter seriously considered giving up her legislative seat, Santa Ayala said, "There was a moment when she felt she had to reconnect" and speak to supporters and constituents.

"Their response was so warm and genuine, that told her it was the right thing to do," Santa Ayala said.

Bridgeport state Rep. Donald Clemons, D-124, said Ayala has the opportunity to redeem herself.

"We all have shortcomings. Nobody's perfect. We all fall short of the glory," Clemons said. "One thing about life: There's opportunities to redeem yourself. She's young. I'm not condoning what she did, but hopefully she can repair her reputation."